Sunday, May 11, 2014

Okay, so I have been known to "over-do" a project or two in my day. Honestly I have paper craft projects that have $100 or more of supplies in them. But then again, that was at a different time when I created "competitively" LOL! Today I have progressed in my crafting, or rather digressed. I am in a keep it simple mode. Simple doesn't have to be boring or plain. Simple can be elegant. That is the overall theme that I kept in mind as I created this Photo Keepsake box using Die Cuts with a View Hey Sailor Stack and my favorite Xyron adhesives. This stack can be purchased just about anywhere form Michaels to Joanns and online. I love it's cream and Navy colors with just a touch of gold. So classic. Now I could have gotten all crazy and added--- oh seashells, burlap, coral, gold stars, pearls, netting, and the kitchen sink! Believe me these were all things I considered at one point, but taking my favorite elements and, in the famous Tim Gunns words, "used them thoughtfully" I came up with a beautiful, simple and elegant project. Here are some ideas for creating yours:

{I used Graphic 45s Book Box as my base, then sprayed it with Heidi Swapps Color Shine Spray in Gold}

{I kept it simple on the cover using a Jolees Boutique sticker and three small dried Starfish}

{I created the accordion using Canson cardstock and the Xyron Mega Runner. I cut 3 panel 1/2 inch wider than the size I wanted, and one at the size- scored the bigger pieces and just adhered the folded tabs to each piece}

{I used some burlap and this cool little mermaid I found in my stash. A good way to keep it elegant is to limit the colors you use. I used neutral tan and creams, with navy and gold. Thats it!}

{My favorite part ended up this gold striped interior! I make each strip a little longer than it needs to be. Then I fit it in and press it into the corners using a bone folder- take it out, flatten and run through my Xyron 2.5 Inch Create A Sticker. No gaps in the corners!}

{I just loved this gold and cream paper so wanted to make sure you got a good look at it!}

The DCWV Hey Sailor Stack has these already sized up and ready! I just cut out the 6 panels form the sheet, used one for the cover, and the rest for the accordion fold- I cut the accordion slightly bigger. The black spots will be for this summers beach pics}

{A few other tricks- to attach my twine, I hot glue it onto a strip of glue then hid it with a fatback pearl}

{To close off the box, I glued on a seashell, then used my Gold Twine from The Twinery to close it- and that great vintage pearl drop was just icing on the cake!}

I hope you will make yourself a keepsake photo box for this summer too- would love to see them! Email me at inmyblueroomdesigns@gmail.com with your projects pics so I can show them off on my blog!

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Okay so I stole this idea from my Auntie Sharron. I had given her a bunch of paper scraps and she said she was using them to make stationary for some of her friends and parishoners. I thought, what a great gift idea- don't just give a card, give them cards for them to give. I wanted to keep mine super clean and simple. My Paper Smooches Streamers Stamps were perfect for this project so I built it around them. I have always loved wax seals, but after a few failed attempts a using crayons to make mine I came up with idea to use some glittery hot glue to make my own Faux Wax Seals. And how do I give Faux Wax Seals as a gift? Xyron sticker maker to the rescue! Here are some pics- but if you wan to see how I made them step by step just follow me on over to Snapguide and I will show you!